Photos That Sell: The Art of Successful Freelance Photography

by Lee Frost

Book Overview

Aimed at both full-time freelancers looking for fresh inspiration and part-time photographers wishing to build up a business, this book combines advice on markets and marketing along with photographic... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0817455124
• ISBN13: 9780817455125
• Release Date: April 2001
• Publisher: Amphoto Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.7" x 10.4"

Customer Reviews

This book will give you ideas for stock shots.

I noticed in reading the reviews that the only person that seems to have a negative view of this book was talking about the lack of modern digital information. Digital changes by the day so I don't expect anyone to keep up with it in a book, but that is not the point here anyway. Stock photography is pictures that photographers have taken and sell to buyers. Buyers generally care less whether it is digital or film. What I liked about this book was some of the simple things he talks about that you can shoot for stock that you might pass over, thinking you need to get 3 people together doing something. For example, he had a shot of a hand with a credit card (I think) which can be used for illustrating people using too much credit or the ease of use of a credit card. You could shoot a sizzors cutting up a credit card showing how to kick the habit. Pills on a table could be used for taking too many pills or the cost of medicine now days. If you can get one idea from this book that makes you a sale, than the book has paid for itself. I was impressed. Ric.

The BEST book on Stock Photography

I've read a lot of books on the stock photography industry and this book is by far the best. When I first got it a year ago I paid too much attention to the extraordinary photography and not enough to Lee's text. Recently, I went back and very carefully, slowly (one or two pages a day) studied Lee's advice. I've sold images myself to clients around the world and can tell you this book is what you need if you're interested in selling images. It's accurate, complete, and packed with tips that few others would be willing to share. I have and will continue to look back to this book for ideas in producing my own work. The author provides great advice across the range of stock subject matter as well as the various markets. The are two things that really make this book shine though. The first is the numerous photographs accompanied by sales info: number of sales, where it sold, and the total sales to date in U.S. dollars. Not all the images in the book have this information (most have the standard equipment and exposure stats), but some do. Next, there are several two-page interviews with other stock photographers. They share their backgrounds, markets, and tips. Buy this book. It's worth it!

Totally Impressed

I have bought many photography books over the years and alot of them have been associated with marketing and finding new avenues to sell my work. This book is probably one of the best, if not THE best, I have found. This book is full of inspiring photography, sensible approaches and useful information. I would recommend this book as one of your first on your quest for better photography.

The straight scoop

As other reviewers before this one have already stated, this is the bible for free lance photography. It tells you what to shoot and how to market your work. It also becomes apparent as one reads this book that there is a lot of extra work, and a lot of expense, involved in this business. It's maybe 25% taking pictures with the other 75% taken up with preparation, sales and marketing, bookkeeping, etc.It involves taking thousands of pictures and keeping them on file with a picture library. There are pointers from professionals on what sells and how they work. Several, believe it or not, manage to do it while holding down a full time job elsewhere.As for expense, many shots you will have to taken with a medium format system if you hope to find a market; lots and lots of film; computer programs; labels, etc.If you're planning a career in this business, read this book first. Lee Frost will tell you exactly what you are up against.

Focused on Selling Photos, for Real!

This book was packed full of ideas for shooting marketable photos. Unlike other books I've read on this topic, this one discussed what really sells, how to sell, and didn't rpesent you with a few photos to emulate. The ideas discussed were presented in a way to help a photographer come up with their own ideas for shots, and in a manner that makes the book and it's suggestions unlikely to become outdated any time soon.